Marijuana is legal in Colorado, but a Texan has learned that selling it on the black market will land you behind bars.
Aaron Barnhart, 21, of Odessa, Texas, was sentenced March 19 to 45 days in the Montezuma County jail after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute. He also faces two years of probation, including random drug and alcohol tests and 48 hours of community service.
"He's out of the business," said Barnhart's attorney, Richard Jaye, of Durango. "This is a young man that made a terrible mistake."
Jaye said he was scared straight after Telluride suppliers threatened his life because authorities seized $17,400 in cash.
"He's scared," Jaye told District Court Judge Todd Plewe.
During sentencing, Plewe said Barnhart got involved with bad people and made bad choices.
"You're lucky you weren't caught in Texas," said Plewe.
Montezuma County deputies arrested Barnhart after he was involved in a single-car crash outside Dolores on Nov. 11. Officials seized the cash, a quarter-pound of pot, a half-gram of meth and a Glock .22 handgun.
Barnhart doesn't have prior felony convictions, but Jaye said he faces DUI, speeding and resisting-arrest charges in La Plata County. That case is due to come up in June.
